Yachad Survey Considers Creative Arts Program in NYC, Long Island and New Jersey

The Jewish Union Foundation (JUF), in conjunction with Yachad/National Jewish Council of Disabilties, has sent out a survey to Yachad participants and family members for feedback on developing a creative arts program for individuals with special needs. Participants in the program could range from young children to adults.

The Jewish Union Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the independence of individuals with developmental disabilities, enabling them to better participate in the full spectrum of life.

Yachad, the flagship program of the Orthodox Union’s National Jewish Council for Disabilities (NJCD), provides unique social, educational, summer camp, clinical, and recreational programs for individuals with learning, developmental and physical disabilities with the goal of their inclusion in the total life of the Jewish community.

Potential classes of interest include photography, drama, art, music and film making. Yachad is looking to embark on this program on weekdays, weekday evenings, or Sundays. Location options include New York City, Long Island and New Jersey.

“We’ve run a similar program for adults in our Brooklyn Day Hab and felt it would be beneficial to expand,” explained Michael Appelbaum, program director of the Jewish Union Foundation. “We created this new initiative as a supplemental evening program. The responses have been really positive so far and it is our hope that participants in the program will develop vital skills in different areas, boost confidence, and bolster creative thinking. The workshops also aim to enable developing vocational and general life skills as well.”